The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the citizens of Ondo State that the outcome of the much-anticipated gubernatorial election will be announced promptly on election day, November 16.
Mahmood Yakubu, the National Chairman of INEC, made this commitment during his oversight of the 2024 Ondo State Mock Accreditation Exercise, which spanned across all three Senatorial Districts.
In a bid to promote civic peace leading up to the elections, Yakubu appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to uphold a spirit of tranquility. “My appeal to political parties is to maintain the peace that exists in the state.
We are committed to doing our best as the electoral commission, and I urge the political entities to do the same,” he stated.
Yakubu emphasized that maintaining peace is vital for enabling INEC to operate efficiently, conduct free and fair elections, and ultimately deliver an accurate election outcome.
“If all parties can cooperate, it will facilitate our ability to deploy resources in good time, conclude processes swiftly, and announce who the people of Ondo State have chosen as their next governor without delay on Saturday,” he added.
The mock accreditation exercise, which Yakubu described as a critical part of INEC’s preparation for the upcoming elections, aimed to test the functionality of the voting machines and ensure a smooth process on the actual election day.
“We will ensure that all polling units open on time so that voters will not have to wait excessively for INEC officials and voting materials. We’ve tested the integrity of the machines, which is not just about early deployment but also about early accreditation,” he remarked.
As the election approaches, the commission’s proactive measures aim to alleviate concerns surrounding voter turnout and accessibility. With previous elections marred by delays, INEC’s commitment to timely results resonates with citizens eager for a transparent electoral process.
The atmosphere in Ondo State remains charged as candidates from various political parties ramp up their campaigns. Yakubu’s conciliatory message highlights the need for cooperation and understanding among all stakeholders.
As tensions often run high during election seasons, fostering a peaceful environment will be crucial for a successful electoral exercise.
